Born on December 7, 1945, in Norway, Liv Lindeland quickly demonstrated that her name—meaning “life” in Norwegian—was no coincidence. Raised amid Scandinavia’s refined mix of art and simplicity, she carried that poised elegance with her when she ventured across the Atlantic in 1965
From Oslo to Boston: The Early Modeling Years
Liv initially settled in Boston, where she honed her craft as a fashion model for four years—an entry point that polished her confidence and presence in front of the camera. By 1969, restless and aspiring for bigger stages, she relocated to Los Angeles with theatrical ambitions
Playboy Breakthrough: Turning Taboos into Triumphs
In January 1971, Liv captured international attention when she was named Playboy Playmate of the Month, her pictorial titled There’s a Lot to Liv, expertly photographed by Alexas Urba . Not only was she late-20s Norway’s export to American glamour, but she also broke ground—her centerfold was the first in Playboy to show clearly visible pubic hair, sparking what some call “pubic wars” between magazines. This bold move elevated her visibility and altered the aesthetic trajectory of Playboy.
Her appeal was reaffirmed when she was crowned Playmate of the Year in 1972, an honor that included receiving a De Tomaso Pantera sports car in “Playmate pink”—a symbol of 1970s excess and playful status.
Acting Career: Liv Von Linden on Screen
Following her Playboy fame, Liv pursued acting, often billed as Liv Von Linden. Her screen credits span the 1970s through the early ’90s and include:
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Evel Knievel (1971) – photographer role
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Save the Tiger (1973) – alongside industry icons
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Dirty O’Neil (1974)
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The Photographer and Win, Place or Steal (both 1975)
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Later appearances in Picasso Trigger (1988) and Guns (1990) .
While not blockbuster-heavy, her acting afforded her nuanced roles across drama, comedy, action‑adventure, and sexploitation genres—demonstrating range beyond her glamorous image .
A Second Act: Talent Agent and Hollywood Insider
After her time in front of the camera, Liv shifted behind the scenes, establishing a career as a talent agent. This transition showcases her adaptability and deepening understanding of show business—one of the few Playmates of her era to engineer a professional life beyond modeling or acting.
Personal Ties: The Dancer’s Daughter-in-Law
Liv’s family connections further tied her to Hollywood’s golden legacy—she became the daughter-in-law of the legendary actress‑dancer Cyd Charisse. In 1981, she married Tony Martin Jr., further integrating into showbiz’s storied circles.
Legacy: More Than a Centerfold
From the cool clarity of Norway to the flashing lights of Playboy, Liv Lindeland’s narrative is one of reinvention and quiet audacity. She was more than a model—she was a cultural catalyst who challenged magazine norms and embraced multiple facets of entertainment.
Her groundbreaking centerfold helped shift how sensuality was portrayed in mainstream media. Her career in acting, though not star-studded, demonstrated serious ambition. Her pivot to talent representation showed savvy and resilience.
